 |
| My Christmas Caramel Corn |
Growing up, my mother made the most wonderful cookies at Christmas. She instilled the love of baking and cooking into all four of her children. We continue on that tradition in our own homes every year. The picture I included in this blog is of the caramel corn mix that I made this past Sunday with my kids.
Many people over eat during the holiday season, myself included. Usually I justify it by saying, "it's only once a year" or "I'm going to work out several days per week to get rid of the excess calories anyway". But let's face it, the best way to justify pigging out on Christmas goodies is to find some sort of health benefit in the food we're gorging ourselves on!
Here are a few benefits to some common Christmas baking Ingredients, as well read on for an important tidbit of info for maintaining that healthy body throughout the holidays.
CINNAMON
- can help regulate blood sugar and stabilize energy
- natural anti-infective (against H. pylori- the ulcer causing bacteria)
- reduces cytokines linked with arthritis helping to relieve arthritic pain
- being researched as a treatment in several diseases (MS, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's)
GINGER
- used world wide for its properties of reducing feelings of nausea, upset stomach, bloating, and flatulence
CLOVES
- Used to help relieve upset stomach, intestinal gas, nausea
- When applied to gums, helps to relieve tooth ache pain
- High in Vitamin C and K
- WARNING: do not eat during pregnancy. Large amounts can cause GI irritation, and aggravate ulcers and diverticulitis
NUTMEG
- contains antioxidants, potassium (helps in BP control), B- vitamins, Iron, and Vitamin C.
- anti-fungal
- APHRODISIAC
- WARNING: too much can cause excess sweating, palpitations, hallucinations
COCONUT
- Contains lauric acid- increases HDL (good Cholesterol)
- Contains copper, calcium, iron, manganese, potassium
- Source of B-vitamins (folate, niacin, thiamine)
- Very safe, and a healthy choice whether in the form of oil, powder, or shredded
CHERRIES
- Low in calories
- Contain antioxidants (melatonin) which helps reduce irritability
WALNUTS
- Source of Omega-3 (linoleum acid)
- Lowers Total and LDL (bad) Cholesterol
- Raises HDL (good Cholesterol)
- Helps to lower Blood Pressure
- Lower risk of Stroke and Coronary Artery Disease
- Can assist in ridding free radical from the body (as little as 6 nuts)
- Source of B-vitamins
PECANS
- High in calories 100g= 700 kcals
- Source of antioxidants (phytochemicals)
- sources of beta carotene and lutein (removal of free radicals, protect body from disease)
- Source of B vitamins, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, and selenium
COCOA POWDER
- 2 Tbsp = 25 kcals and 3.6g of finer
- acts as an antidepressant
- antioxidant- fights against heart disease, cancer, aging
- decreases LDL and risk of blood clots
- Helps lower Blood Pressure
- Increase Cognitive Function
POPCORN
- Contains high levels of healthy antioxidants (polyphenols)
Although each individual ingredient has some wonderful health benefits and I can personally trick myself into thinking my Christmas cookie plunder is somehow good for me. Reality is there is a lot of bad sugar enveloping these healthy ingredients. So please heed the below warning so you can enjoy the above delightful ingredients contained in your sugary indulgences.
WARNING: EAT IN MODERATION!!!!
As long as you do not overindulge, you should be able to enjoy and taste a little of everything you like and still fit into your bathing suit after this holiday's eating extravaganza.
Reference: www.nutrition-and-you.com
www.livestrong.com
